Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 24 March 2021
1883. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the details of his engagement with EU member states and the UK in respect of his contribution on a proposed common Covid-19 travel certificate and or a digital green certificate in respect of travel. [15599/21]
View answerOn 17 March, the EU Commission published its proposal for Regulation for a Digital Green Certificate. This proposed regulation lays down a framework for the issuance, verification and acceptance of interoperable certificates to facilitate free movement. Ireland is carefully considering the proposal and its many policy, infrastructural and operational implications across a number of sectors and authorities. This proposal is part of the package of EU measures to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. It builds, in particular, on previous technical work carried out in the Health Security Committee and the eHealth Network.
The EU Health Security Committee is a vital part of the collaborative effort to develop coordinated response to cross-border health threats from infectious diseases. My Department has engaged with this Committee throughout the pandemic. I recognise the importance of the UKs participation on this Committee during this crisis and welcome their collaboration in addressing this serious cross-border threat to health.
My Department has participated in weekly eHealth Network Co-ordinated Actions meetings since the start of the pandemic and the issue of digital certification for COVID-19 vaccinations has been discussed at this network.
I am committed to continuing this collaboration towards developing similar travel approaches where it is appropriate to do so and in line with national public health advice.
